Let’s lead from the front CELTIC v RANGERS

McGregor out to attack

CALLUM McGregor will urge his Celtic teammates to get on the front foot and make it a difficult afternoon for Rangers tomorrow.

The Premiership champions go into the Old Firm showdown three points and five goals better off than their city rivals.

But Hoops skipper McGregor cautioned against going into the game with the mindset to avoid defeat.

“I don’t think that’s the type of team that we are,” he said.

“We are much, much better when we are on the front foot and aggressive, try and control the ball. I think that’s when we are at our best.

Influence

“We will be training very hard this week to make sure we influence the game in a positive way.

“With us being at home that’s expected — we go on the front foot and try to make it a really positive day. We have just got to stay calm and focus on doing our jobs.

“Sometimes you can get over-emotional, especially when you understand what the game means in the context of the season. But if we focus on performance and working as hard as we possibly can for each other and the supporters, then straight away the energy level goes up.

“When we take the game to a level and intensity that teams struggle to live with that’s when we play our best football.

Focus

“That’s the message for us — focus on ourselves, work as hard as we possibly can for each other and let’s go and take the game to them and see what they have got.

“I have touched on it a lot, that the supporters are vitally important for us.

“When the place is rocking and the football is good it’s very, very difficult to beat that atmosphere.

“It’s about the players getting the crowd going, starting the game quick and bringing the support into the game.

“If we do that we will hopefully make it a difficult day for them.”

The 30-year-old was involved in a tussle with Todd Cantwell after Celtic’s 3-3 draw at Ibrox last month, which was sparked when the Rangers midfielder pushed him after full-time.

Physical

McGregor has a long and successful history in this fixture and he will relish the physical challenge.

“I love them,” the Scotland midfielder said. “If you don’t enjoy them, then you are going to struggle to play at a big club like this.

“So over the years it’s fair to say you build up more experience and, when you are in the middle of it, you have to enjoy the fight and the battle of it. And generally when you do that you have positive experiences.”

McGregor reported feeling good after his recent absence with an Achilles problem — he lasted 89 minutes of last Saturday’s 3-0 win over Hearts after building up game time.

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Callum McGregor leads the squad at training ahead of derby day

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